Nail Polish Remover
Acetone nail polish removers are strong-smelling irritants that leave nails dry and weak. Even non-acetone versions, which are often perceived as safe, contain harmful ingredients.
Particularly important to avoid in non-acetone nail polish remover is the industrial solvent gamma butyrolactone (GBL). Once considered safe, GBL in nail remover pads became life threatening to two toddlers who were exposed.[1]
Soy-based nail polish remover from Priti NYC is acetone- and toxin-free, and just as effective at removing nail polish, safely.
Why It's Effective
Priti NYC is 100% natural and gentle on nails. The soy-based remover dissolves nail polish easily without scrubbing. Priti NYC’s moisturizing formula leaves nails and cuticles nourished, not dry.
Priti NYC comes in an unscented version which has very mild smell, and in lemongrass scented which has lemongrass oil added to the formula.
Why It's Safe
Priti NYC is free of the following toxic ingredients commonly found in nail polish remover:
Acetone –breathing moderate-to-high levels of acetone can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation; headaches; light-headedness; confusion; increased pulse rate; effects on blood; nausea; vomiting; unconsciousness and possibly coma; and shortening of the menstrual cycle in women.[2][3][4]
Fragrance - mix of fragrance and chemicals associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Can contain unnamed toxic ingredients like phthalates which disrupt the endocrine system
Benzophenone-1 – studies suggest endocrine disruption and association with breast cancer and ovarian cancer.[5][6]
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) - preservative that shows organ system toxicity in animal studies, with some carcinogenic. Animal studies also show skin, eye and respiratory effects. Associated with skin sensitization in humans.[7][8]
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) - thickening agents and humectants that help retain moisture and enhance penetration of ingredients. PEGs can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are associated with reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, cancer, and DNA damage.[9]
Parabens - antimicrobial preservatives that are immune and skin toxicants, mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system, are toxic to the developmental and reproductive systems, interfere with gene expression, and are associated with cancer.[10][11][12]
Quaternium 15 – preservative that acts as a formaldehyde releaser, is an allergen and has concerns for organ system toxicity. Banned from cosmetics in the European Union.[13]
Butylphenyl Methylpropional - fragrance ingredient that is a skin and eye irritant and potentially an endocrine disruptor. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has regulated that it must be listed in rinse off products in concentrations greater than 0.01% and leave on products greater than 0.001%. [14][15]
Switch
Cutex Nourishing nail polish remover contains fragrance, acetone, BHT, and benzophenone-1.
Sally Hansen strengthening nail polish remover contains acetone, fragrance, PEG, benzophenone-3, butylphenyl methylpropional, propylene glycol, methylparaben, quaternium-15, and synthetic dyes.
Cutex non-acetone nail polish remover contains alcohol (drying), fragrance, and synthetic dyes.
How to Buy
Price at the time of publishing is $18.99 for a 4 oz bottle. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips
A little goes a long way. Wipe all nails first to allow solvent to penetrate for 20 to 30 seconds before wiping off polish. Gently rub until nail polish is completely removed.
Looking for a safer nail polish? Check out Sienna Byron Bay nail polish here.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2083679/
[3] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/acetone#section=Safety-and-Hazards
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0004.html
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25849766
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23328252
[7] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Butylated-hydroxytoluene#section=Toxicity
[8] https://hpvchemicals.oecd.org/ui/handler.axd?id=6D30349E-EF9F-496C-A2AF-6D497D4F1CCA
[10] http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/parabens/#_edn33
[11] https://news.berkeley.edu/2018/12/03/prenatal-exposure-to-chemicals-in-personal-care-products-may-speed-puberty-in-girls/
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303720718301060?via%3Dihub
[13]https://chemicalwatch.com/57303/european-commission-notifies-bans-restrictions-on-cmrs-in-cosmetics
[14} https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_213.pdf
[15] https://www.obelis.net/news/sccs-final-opinion-on-the-safety-of-butylphenyl-methylpropional-p-bmhca/
